Used Car Buyer Guides for Ireland
Authoritative, Ireland-specific guides for buying a used car. Every guide reflects Irish motor tax bands, NCT requirements, VRT considerations, and pricing data drawn from active Autoza listings. Updated quarterly.
Model common-faults guides
Year-by-year fault patterns, mileage thresholds, indicative Irish repair costs, and pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 49 most-searched used cars in Ireland.
BMW 5 Series Common Faults
G30, 2017–2024
Audi A6 Common Faults
C8, 2018–2024
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Common Faults
W213 (BR 213) saloon and estate, 2016–2023; updated from summer 2020
Volkswagen Passat Common Faults
B8 (Type 3G), launched in Ireland January 2015; Volkswagen Ireland dates the model 2014–2023
Volkswagen Golf Common Faults
Mk7 2013–2019, Mk8 2020+
Ford Focus Common Faults
Mk4, 2018–2025
Toyota Corolla Common Faults
E210, 2019+
Nissan Qashqai Common Faults
J11 2014–2021, J12 2021+
Hyundai Tucson Common Faults
NX4 (fourth generation)
Kia Sportage Common Faults
QL (2016–2021) and NQ5 (from 2022)
Skoda Octavia Common Faults
Mk4, 2020+
Toyota Yaris Common Faults
XP210, 2020+
Mazda CX-5 Common Faults
KF, 2017–2024 (2022 facelift)
Hyundai i30 Common Faults
PD, 2017+
Opel Corsa Common Faults
Mk5 (E) 2014–2019, Mk6 (F) 2019+
Volkswagen Tiguan Common Faults
Mk2, 2016–2023 (Allspace 2017+)
Honda CR-V Common Faults
Fourth (2012–2018), fifth (2018–2023) and sixth (2023 on)
Toyota RAV4 Common Faults
XA50, 2019–2024 (Hybrid)
Dacia Duster Common Faults
Mk1 2012–2018, Mk2 from 2018, Mk3 (third generation) current
Ford Kuga Common Faults
Mk2 (2013–2019) and Mk3 (from 2020)
Renault Clio Common Faults
Mk4 2012–2019, Mk5 2019+
SEAT Leon Common Faults
Mk3 2012–2020, Mk4 2020+
Peugeot 208 Common Faults
Mk2 (2019–present)
Kia Ceed Common Faults
Mk3 (2018–present)
Volkswagen Polo Common Faults
Mk6 (AW), from late 2017
BMW 3 Series Common Faults
F30 (2012–2019) / G20 (2019–present)
Audi A4 Common Faults
B8 (2007–2015) and B9 (2015–2024)
Peugeot 3008 Common Faults
Mk2 (2016–2024)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Common Faults
W205 (2014–2021) and W206 (from 2021)
Toyota C-HR Common Faults
Mk1 2016–2023
Tesla Model 3 Common Faults
Mk1 pre-facelift (2017–2023) and "Highland" refresh (2024–2026)
Skoda Karoq Common Faults
NU7, 2017–2021 (pre-facelift) and 2022–2025 (facelift)
Hyundai Kona Common Faults
OS, 2017–2023 (Mk1 + 2021 facelift) and SX2, 2023–2025 (Mk2)
Kia Niro Common Faults
DE, 2016–2022 (Gen 1: Hybrid, PHEV, e-Niro EV) and SG2, 2022–2025 (Gen 2: Hybrid, PHEV, EV)
Ford Fiesta Common Faults
Mk7 2013–2017, Mk8 2017–2023
Nissan Juke Common Faults
F15 (2010–2019) and F16 (2019–2024)
Toyota Avensis Common Faults
T27 (third generation, 2009–2018; facelifts in 2012 and 2015). This guide covers the 2012–2018 cars most common on the Irish used market.
Audi A3 Common Faults
8V (2013–2020)
BMW 1 Series Common Faults
F20/F21, 2011–2019 (RWD) and F40, 2019–2024 (FWD)
Skoda Superb Common Faults
Mk3 (B8 / Typ 3V), 2015–2023
Skoda Fabia Common Faults
Mk3 (NJ) 2015–2021
Renault Megane Common Faults
Mk4 (BFB), 2016–2022
Opel Astra Common Faults
K (2015–2021)
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Common Faults
First generation (GG/GF), 2014–2021 (PHEV)
Nissan Leaf Common Faults
ZE1, 2018–2023 (40 kWh & 62 kWh e+); prior ZE0/AZE0 2011–2017
Volkswagen T-Roc Common Faults
A1, 2018–2024 (pre-facelift 2018–2021, facelift 2022 on)
Honda Jazz Common Faults
GE Mk2, 2008–2015; GK5 Mk3, 2015–2020; GK/GG e:HEV Mk4, 2020–2025
Ford Mondeo Common Faults
Mk4, 2007–2014 and Mk5, 2014–2022 (facelift April 2019)
Renault Captur Common Faults
Mk1, 2013–2019, and Mk2, 2020–2025 (including E-Tech hybrid and E-Tech PHEV)
Buyer-segment guides
Best Used Cars Under €10,000 in Ireland
Most reliable picks at the budget end of the market.
Best Used Cars Under €15,000 in Ireland
The Irish family-car sweet spot.
Best Used Cars Under €20,000 in Ireland
Late-model EVs and premium hatches.
How Much Car Can I Afford in Ireland?
Budget first, running costs out, then the price you should shop at.
Cheap Used Cars in Ireland
Live budget stock under €5,000, €10,000 and €15,000.
Best Year to Buy a Used Toyota Corolla in Ireland
141 to 251 plate: the hybrid sweet spot and what to avoid.
Best Year to Buy a Used Volkswagen Golf in Ireland
Mk7 vs Mk8: the infotainment years to avoid.
Best Year to Buy a Used Hyundai Tucson in Ireland
151 to 251 plate: TL vs NX4, and the dual-clutch gearbox to test.
Best Used-Car Deals in Ireland Right Now
This week's strongest value picks.
How to Buy a Used Car in Ireland (2026 Guide)
Step-by-step: budget, history check, inspection, finance, VRC transfer.
Used Cars with Warranty in Ireland
What an Irish dealer warranty actually covers.
Autoza Dealer Trust Score Explained
How we rate every dealer on the platform.
Glossary of Irish Car-Buying Terms
NCT, VRT, OMSP, PCP, HP, BIK — defined.
Cornerstone resources
- How to Buy a Used Car in Ireland — 12-step process
- Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
- NCT Check Ireland — costs, failures, history
- Used Car Prices Ireland 2026
- Q2 2026 Irish Used Car Index — quarterly market report
- Used Car Market Ireland — live prices, trends & stats
- Used Car FAQ — 30 most-asked questions
- Irish Registration Plates Explained
- VRT Statistical Code — how to find yours
- Cheapest New Cars in Ireland 2026